Parliament Question: Arrest of fishermen

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2315 ANSWERED ON 12/03/2026 ARREST OF FISHERMEN 2315. SHRI TIRUCHI SIVA Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) The number of Indian fishermen arrested in different countries, year-wise and country-wise, during the last five years; (b) the details of meetings held by the Joint Working Group on Fisheries between Indian and Sri Lankan representatives to discuss the issue of arrest of fishermen; and (c) the steps being taken by Government to ensure that fishermen are brought back to the country safely? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA) (a) The number of Indian fishermen apprehended over the last five years in different countries is placed below: Year Sri Lanka Pakistan Bahrain Qatar Saudi Arabia Bangladesh Myanmar 2021 159 223 05 21 296 54 10 2022 268 132 07 20 106 184 0 2023 240 09 05 31 86 04 0 2024 560 27 37 29 07 95 0 2025 360 07 18 04 09 71 0 (b) Beginning December 2016, regular meetings of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on fisheries, which includes representatives from the Ministries of Fisheries, Foreign Affairs, the Coast Guards and Navies of both countries as well as representatives from the Government of Tamil Nadu, have been taking place with an aim to address fishermen-related issues in a comprehensive manner. So far, six meetings of the JWG on fisheries have been held, with the last meeting held on 29 October 2024. The Government is in 1constant communication with the Sri Lankan side to schedule the next round of the JWG. Details of the JWG meetings held so far are placed below: JWG meeting on fisheries Dates 1st meeting of JWG on fisheries 31 December 2016, New Delhi 2nd meeting of JWG on fisheries 07 April 2017, Colombo 3rd meeting of JWG on fisheries 13 October 2017, New Delhi 4th meeting of JWG on fisheries 30 December 2020, (Virtual Mode) 5th meeting of JWG on fisheries 25 March 2022, (Virtual Mode) 6th meeting of JWG on fisheries 29 October 2024, Colombo (c) The Government of India attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. The Government has been taking up all fishermen related issues, including the early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and boats, with respective governments through diplomatic channels, various official interactions and established bilateral mechanisms. In all interactions, it is conveyed that the issues related to fishermen may be considered purely on humanitarian and livelihood grounds and that the use of force should be avoided in all circumstances. Further, Indian Missions and Consulates in the respective countries make regular visits to local jails and detention centers to ascertain the condition of Indian fishermen and provide requisite help and support, including legal assistance. The Missions also provide necessary travel documents to facilitate repatriation of released fishermen to India. ***** 2